13 Events That’ll Warm Up The Weekend

Cold weather can’t stop the fun. Here are the events worth stepping out for before the holiday rush begins.

As Thanksgiving approaches and the crisp November air settles in, there’s a certain buzz around town—a mix of anticipation, celebration and the irresistible urge to soak up every bit of the season. The colder days may be rolling in, but they’re bringing with them that familiar late fall energy: warm lights glowing from storefronts, the scent of something delicious on the way and neighbors bundling up to enjoy the best that Bergen has to offer.

This weekend’s lineup is full of ways to tap into that spirit. Here are 13 events that will bring a little warmth to these chilly days—and get you in the perfect mindset for the holiday week ahead.

Nov. 21

• Are you a pickleballer who’s looking for a little challenge? Montclair Pickleball is hosting Pickleball & Pizza for advanced beginner and high intermediate players at 8 p.m. at Superdome Sports in Fair Lawn. Enjoy pizza, drinks, music and two hours of level-based, rotated open play. Sign up online!

Nov. 21–22

• For a night of laughs and a little bit of horror, head to the Sharp Theater in Mahwah for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Presented by the Ramapo College Theater Department, the show is a 90-minute comedic interpretation of the gothic classic. The production uses haze and strobe lights and contains subject matter not suitable for young audiences. Shows are at 8 p.m. each night. Get your tickets online.
• Funnyman Jim Florentine brings his brand of brash humor to Bananas Comedy Club in Rutherford, where he’ll perform three shows over two nights. He’s been a regular on The Howard Stern Show and hosts his own program on Sirius XM. The Friday show is at 7 p.m., and Saturday performances are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available online.

Nov. 21–23

• Grab some hot chocolate and take the family to Let It Glow, the holiday lantern spectacular at the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus. Enjoy more than 40 dazzling lantern scenes, s’mores, a fire pit, a train ride and more. The show opens at 4 p.m. each day, and tickets can be purchased online.
• Enjoy the final weekend of the Players Guild of Leonia’s new musical, Where The Time Goes. Directed by Michael Bias and musically directed by Victoria Casella, the show follows Amy and Michael’s love story through the highs and lows of the ’60s. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m., and the Sunday show starts at 2 p.m. Reserve your tickets online.
• Looking for something special for the holidays? The Hermitage’s Holiday Marketplace is now open, featuring handmade gifts for everyone on your list. The shop is located in the visitors’ center at the historic mansion in Ho-Ho-Kus and opens at noon on the weekend. Admission is free.

Nov. 22

• After browsing stores at Paramus Park mall, be sure to stop by Center Court to see The Dance Bag’s Holiday Showcase. Celebrate the start of the season with dance performances by local studios. Shows will start around 10 a.m. and will take place throughout the day.
• Support local businesses and artisans at Leonia High School’s holiday market. Search for crafts, jewelry and handmade goods while also enjoying baked goods, food trucks, face painting and more. Admission is $5, which includes a raffle ticket. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• For more shopping, check out Wyckoff YMCA’s The Big Holiday Shop, taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 vendors will be on hand, giving you the chance to shop small and support local businesses. Admission is free.
• History buffs will enjoy Retreat Day at Fort Lee Historic Park. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can watch reenactors stage the Continental Army’s “Retreat to Victory” in 1776. The free event also features music, cooking and artillery demonstrations. Can’t make it? Visit Historic New Bridge Landing at 10 a.m. on Nov. 23 for a similar event.
• Join Demarest Farms in Hillsdale for opening night of Orchard of Lights. The drive-through lights show takes participants on a guided tour through the farm’s 32 acres, which are decorated with holiday lights. The first tour starts at 5 p.m. Register online for tickets.

Nov. 23

• Bring your camera and a pair of binoculars to DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst for a nature walk starting at 10 a.m. The Bergen Audubon Society will lead the tour of the park, which is filled with late migrants and winter waterfowl. The event is free, and participants should dress according to the weather.
• Celebrate Korean culture during Arirang: Echoes of the East—Korean Traditional Arts Performance at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee. The 5:30 p.m. show features the artistry and passion of traditional Korean performance—where dance and music tell stories of nature, joy and resilience. Tickets to the live show can be purchased online.

What are your weekend plans? Remember to tag us in all of your favorite photos @bergenmagnj.